Test, Treat, Defeat Hepatitis this World Hepatitis Day
On World Hepatitis Day, Hepatitis Queensland is calling on communities across the state to take action now to test, treat and defeat hepatitis B and C, as new data highlights changing patterns of risk and significant gaps in health care.
Almost 300,000 Australians, including over 48,000 Queenslanders, are living with hepatitis B or C viruses. Yet thousands remain undiagnosed, untreated, or disconnected from health care, putting them at risk of serious liver damage and liver cancer.
"There are simple blood tests and effective treatments for hepatitis B and C, yet too many people don't realise they're at risk," said Dr Anna Hawkes, CEO of Hepatitis Queensland.
"Hepatitis B and C are primarily spread through contact with infected blood, while hepatitis B can also be spread through unprotected sexual activity."
Hepatitis C can be cured with tablets daily for just 8 to 12 weeks. Despite this, only 11 per cent of Queenslanders living with hepatitis C received treatment in 2023.
David Clune, who lived with hepatitis C for decades before being cured in 2018, said getting treated changed his life.
"It's the best thing I've ever done. Hepatitis was destroying my body. Your liver affects your mind, your body, everything. Life has been the best it has been for years."
Hepatitis B cannot yet be cured, but it can be effectively managed with regular monitoring and treatment. Only 10 per cent of those living with hepatitis B in Queensland received treatment in 2023, and fewer than one in four were engaged in ongoing care.
Without diagnosis and care, hepatitis B and C can progress to liver cancer. These viruses are responsible for 90 per cent of liver cancer deaths in Australia, with liver cancer now the fastest-growing cause of cancer deaths nationally.
Hepatitis symptoms like tiredness, brain fog, and joint aches are often mistaken for signs of ageing or stress; many people may not realise anything is wrong until the disease is advanced.
"Testing is the only way to know for certain if you have the hepatitis virus," said Dr Anna Hawkes.
"It's time to normalise testing and start the conversation. Routine blood tests don't usually check for hepatitis; you have to ask for it. That's why awareness is so important."
If you think you could be at risk of hepatitis B or C, speak with your GP or call Hepatitis Queensland on 1800 437 222.
